Atomic Ranch Fall 2018: The Kitchen & Bath Issue

It's here, and it's official. Atomic Ranch fall 2018 is on sale now, and it's our first kitchens & baths issue (ever)! Whether you're looking to renovate or simply refresh these tricky spaces, you'll find everything from inspirational ideas and designs to top products and how-tos. This issue has what you'll need to turn the kitchen or bath of your dreams into reality.

Create a Laid-Back Living Room with Modern Style

With its red Eames chair, black Bertoia chair and Falkland light, this living room is a relaxing midcentury haven. Photo by Jim Brown.

Part of the appeal of midcentury modern style is its livability. The look isn’t cluttered or pretentious, but achievable, refreshing and laid-back. It doesn’t take itself too seriously either—it’s open to having a little fun. To achieve that easy, laid-back style, here are some of the essentials you’ll want to incorporate into your living space.

Simplicity. This is a basic principle of midcentury style: don’t get penned down by too much stuff. A couch and a few chairs, a table and one or two pieces of art is all you need. Remember what it was like in the early 1950s—frugality and thrift were important to the post-war culture. Leave out the poofs, frills, layers of pillows and shelves full of knickknacks. You just don’t need them.

Comfort. Just because your space is simple doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable or stiff. Add enough pillows, blankets and rugs to make it easy to curl up on the sofa with a good book or to watch a movie. If displaying the throw blanket on the sofa is too much for the room, store it somewhere it won’t impede the look but is also easily accessible.

Openness. Midcentury style was at its heyday during the baby boom from 1946-1964. This means lots of kiddos running around. Designers wanted to make homes that were family-friendly, and open spaces encourage folks to gather together. Avoid items that make the room feel small or closed, such as high-backed chairs, low-hanging chandeliers and heavy curtains. Instead, opt for light, airy furniture to keep that laid-back and open feel to your living space.

Color. Add a fun element to the space with bold, bright colors. You don’t have to stick to one or two colors—use any combination of classic midcentury hues such as tangerine, aqua and olive green. As long as the colors have the same tone, they’ll go well together. This will also help convey to visitors that they can relax in the space—kick off their shoes for an evening of good conversation and an Atomic Rancher.